French prune (Punian)

ABSTRACT

A new asexually developed French prune cultivar to be known as `Punian` Prune which is of large to medium size, dense, upright, vase formed, very similar to the regular French prune tree; the tree is distinguished from regular French Prune by faster maturity to the fruit bearing stage. The fruit has the same basic color skin, flesh, texture and stone as regular French prune, however it is characterized by higher sugar content of the fruit.

ORIGIN OF VARIETY

The present variety of prune ("Punian") was discovered by inventor, on atree in his orchard planted to regular French prune. The inventor, anorchardist, upon inspection and maintanence of his orchard tookparticular note of the distinct characteristics of such atypical prunetree and realized that such characteristics would be of significantadvantage in a prune tree for commercial production.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of prune tree is embraced by PlantPatent Sub-Class 38, of the U.S. Patent Office Manual of Classification.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

A number of the present variety of prune trees were asexually reproducedon inventor's behalf by a commercial nursery by grafting on Marianarootstock. A plot of 12 trees was planted in inventor's orchard inFebruary 1982. The botanical characteristics of the `Punian` varietyappear the same as the parent regular French prune. However, asexualreproduction of the `Punian` variety produced early maturing fruit ofincreased sugar content consistent with the original bud sport.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of prune trees, to be known as the "Punian" pruneis, characteristically, a vigorous grower of large to medium size, anupright dense, vase formed hardy tree. It is foliated in medium sized,ovate, somewhat thick and slightly rough wrinkled deep green leaves. Itproduces a crop of medium sized smooth texture semi-cling skin fruit,basically the same as regular French prune. Fruit ripens approximately15-18 days earlier than regular French prune (depending somewhat ongrowing conditions and cultivation practices). Additionally, the sugarcontent (30-31%) is higher than the regular French prune at harvest. Theskin color is basically the same as regular French prune: deep blue andflesh color yellow to amber. The present variety has a higher solublesugar content than regular French prune which makes this varietyparticularly suitable for commercial production.

The present variety of prune tree is further, and more particularly,characterized in the following respects:

The tree develops very similarly to regular French prune. It is large tomedium with vigorous upright growth. Pruning methods and cultivationpractices basically determine size and shape. The trunk and branchtexture are generally smooth. Leaves are ovate, dark green, slightlywrinkled and of medium average length and width. Margins are of mediumfine serration. Flower buds are white, conical shaped which flatten atfull bloom. The tree comes into full bloom at the same time as regularFrench prune. Punians' pollination requirements are the same as regularFrench prune. It is a self-pollinated variety that is self-fruitful.Fruit size, texture color and stone are the same as regular Frenchprune: ovate shaped fruit with pronounced cavity, medium size withmedium thick, smooth skin texture that is semi-cling with down wanting.Flesh is a medium soft-texture with soft, tender fibers and a rich sweetflavor and mild aroma. The present variety matures and ripensapproximately 15-18 days before regular French Prune. The stone ismedium size to small, light brown cling. Pits small and wanting. Formelliptical.

Field trials indicate fruit average fresh weight 21-24 grams each;average dry weight 8.8-9.2 grams each; and 50-54 dry fruit per pound.

The fruit can be used as fresh fruit, for canning and for drying.

Early maturation and high sugar content make the "Punian" prune asuperior improvement over the regular French prune and its varieties.The high percent of soluble sugars result in a prune of increasedplumpness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

One drawing is an illustration, by photographic reproduction, in colorof limb with leaves a fruit cut open to show flesh and pit. Anotherdrawing depicts a limb with the tree in bloom and with flower detail.

RESISTANCE TO INSECTS AND DISEASE

Comparable to regular French prune. Slight increased nematode resistanceexists due to grafting on the Mariana root stock.

The prune tree and its fruit herein described may vary in slight detaildue to climatic and soil conditions under which the variety may begrown; the present trees were grown in Sutter County (SacramentoValley), Calif.

It is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct French prune substantially asillustrated and described, particularly characterized by its upright,vase shaped tree form of medium to large size; its vigorous growth; byreaching full maturity earlier than other varieties of French prune; andby bearing excellent fruit with a high sugar content which areparticularly suitable for commercial production.